What is a weekly staple at my house? What is the creamiest Chicken Pasta Forget complicated recipes that take all day – this one comes together faster than you can say. Is it easier than ordering takeout? If you’re a fan of chicken Alfredo, but are craving something even more delicious, try this recipe. What’s comforting and satisfying, prepare to be amazed!
What is the creamiest chicken pasta?
What is the creamiest Chicken Pasta? It’s essentially perfectly cooked pasta, tossed with tender, juicy chicken, all swimming in a bowl. What is a creamy sauce? We’re talking about the kind of sauce that clings to every strand of pasta and makes you want to lick the pasta. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity – it’s not fussy, there are no weird ingredients, and it has a good flavor. It relies on classic flavors that everyone loves. Is it really versatile?
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to love this Creamiest Chicken Pasta?
Flavor explosion: WhatWhat are some of the best recipes for creamy sauce? What are some good ways to add roasted garlic to a dish? What is that perfect balance of comforting and flavorful that keeps you coming back for more? What I love about this is that it uses simple ingredients to create restaurant-quality flavor.
Easy Peasy:What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? What is the best way to have a pizza on the table in under 30 minutes? What’s the best part? It only requires one pot for the pasta and sauce, so cleanup is a breeze. Is this a good one to add to your regular rotation?
Budget friendlyYou probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples like pasta, etc. What is cream, and cheese? Is there any one that can go wrong with this one for saving some money?
Customize to your heart’s content.What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What are some good veggies to add to a salad? What is the best way to change the flavor of cheese? What are some great ways to add crispy bacon to a dish? I love to add a little bit of Parmesan cheese at the end, makes it perfect.
How do you make the creamiest chicken pasta?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Creamy Chicken pasta? How do you cook pasta and chicken? While cooking, you’ll whip up the creamy sauce in the same pot. When you’re done serving up, toss everything together and serve it up! What is the best way to prepare a delicious meal? How easy is it to make Creamiest Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What is the best
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
What is Creamy Sauce?
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring the water and salt to a boil in the large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Is it necessary to add pasta water to a sauce if it is too thick?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, cook it in batches for the best results.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (but be careful not to burn it! ) Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. I like to use a whisk to make sure the cheese melts in perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness. I always do this when making this recipe, so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. What are some good ways to add Parmesan cheese to a salad? What’s a good side dish to serve with your favorite sauce?
What should I serve it with?
Creamiest Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with dozens of other side dishes. What are the best side dishes? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a Light Meal: A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. The acidity of the dressing helps to balance out the flavors.
What is a hearty meal?Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add some extra nutrients and fiber. I love roasting them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and flavorful side.
For a Special Occasion:Garlic Bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a crowd pleaser. What are some good ways to soak up that creamy sauce? My family is obsessed with adding a little red pepper flake to their bread.
For a Cozy Snack: Tomato Soup, it’s an incredible pair. Plus it warms the soul.
I love serving it with a crisp glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce and complements the flavors of the chicken and pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Creamiest Chicken Pasta
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect Creamiest Chicken Pasta. Here are my top tips:
Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting them, which helps to ensure that they cook quickly and evenly.
Garlic Love: Don’t burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish. Cook it over low heat for just a few seconds until fragrant.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Parmesan Power: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Or, you can add a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving.
Veggie Boost: Add your favorite vegetables to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor. Broccoli, peas, mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes all work well.
Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. Add them at the end of cooking so that they don’t lose their flavor. I have added just about every herb in the garden and still love the recipe.
These Creamiest Chicken Pasta are all tested and true and I still use them when making the recipe today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Creamiest Chicken Pasta:
Room Temperature: This isn’t recommended for more than 2 hours, as dairy-based sauces can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: While you *can* freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Methods: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to the skillet to help loosen the sauce.
Glaze Timing Advice: You can refrigerate or freeze Creamiest Chicken Pasta, but I suggest skipping the glaze until right before serving.
Honestly, the texture is best when the Creamiest Chicken Pasta is freshly made!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Creamiest Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe – it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of home, and a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, makes weeknights feel a little bit special, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes for more easy and delicious meal ideas! Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how your Creamiest Chicken Pasta turns out. I can’t wait to hear your variations and see your photos!
Creamiest Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 1 cup Pasta
- 1 cup Cream Cheese
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Cook chicken breast. Shred chicken.
- Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and milk in a saucepan. Stir until heated through and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste.
